Clamp



B. A. BOGGS Dec. 26, 1944.

CLAMP Filed Jan. 21, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 w t n m m I Dec. 26, 1944. BA Boss's 2,365,935

CLAMP Filed Jan. 21, 1944 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Inventor BEE YL 1 7 509 6 B]2mm WWW A Home];

Patented Dec. 2 6, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE CLAMP Beryl A.Boggs, Portsmouth, Va.

Application January 21, 1344, Serial No. 519,234 3 Claims. (Cl. 248-229)The present invention relates to new and useful improvements in clamps,particularly for surface gauges, although it will be understood, ofcourse, that the device may be used for any other purpose for which itma be found adapted.

The primaryobject of the invention is to provide, in a manner ashereinafter set forth, a clamp of the character described comprising anovel construction and arrangement, whereby two or more members, such,for example, as the spindle and the scriber of a surface gauge may acterwhich embodies a unique combination and arrangement of jaws for grippingthe members.

Other objects of the invention are to provide a clamp of the characterset forth which will be comparatively simple in construction, strong,durable, highly efficient and reliable in use, compact and which may bemanufactured at low cost.

All of the foregoing, and still further objects and advantages of theinvention, will become apparent from a study of the followingspecification, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings,wherein like characters of reference designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a clamp constructed in accordance with thepresent invention.

Figure 2 is a view in horizontal section through the device.

Figure 3 is an end elevational ,view, showing the clamp in use.

Figure 4 is a. plan view of another form of the device.

Figure 5 is a view in horizontal section through I to Figures 1, 2 and 3thereof in particular, it will be seen that reference character Idesignates a tubular casing of suitable dimensions and mate rial. Thecasing i has formed therein at an intermediate point diametricallyopposite open- 5 ings 2. The openings 2 are slightly elongatedlongitudinally. In the use of the device which has been illustrated, theopenings 2 accommodate the spindle 3 of a gauge which is designatedgenerally by reference character 4.

In one end portion, the tubular casing l is provided with an intumed,integral flange 5 which is formed to provide a substantially conicalseat 6. Threadedly mounted in the other end portion of the casing I isa. plug 1.

Opposed complemental jaws 8 and 9 are slidably mounted in the casing lfor the reception of the spindle 3 therebetween. The jaws 8 and 9comprise substantially semi-circular faces It) for engagement with thespindle 3. A thumb screw 1 l is threadedly mounted in the plug 1 andengaged with the jaw 8 for pressing same against the spindle 3. L

Mounted in 'one end portion of the casing l and projectinglongitudinally therefrom is a clamping member H for the scriber I3 ofthe instrument 4. The member I2 has formed therein a transverse openingI4 for the reception of the scriber I 3y Extending longitudinally intothe member I 2 from the inner end thereof is a bore l5 whichcommunicates with the opening M. A jaw I6 is slidablymounted in the bore15 for coaction with the member I2 for frictionally securing the scriberl3 in adjusted position. Projecting longitudinally from the jaw 9 is alug or the like I! which is slidable in the bore l5 and engaged with thejaw I6 for pressing said jaw l6 against the scriber [3.

It is thought that the manner in which the device is used will bereadily apparent froma consideration of the foregoing. Briefly, thespindle 3 is inserted through the longitudinally elongated openings 2,said spindle passing between the jaws 8 and 9, and the scriber I3 isinserted in the opening I! of the member l2. When the desiredadjustments have been made, the thumb screw II is tightened. When thisoccurs, the spindle 3 is firmly clamped between the jaws 8 and 9 in theelongated openings 2 and the scriber I3 is secured in the member l2 bythe jaw l6. That is, the thumb screw ll presses the jaw 8 against thespindle 3 which, in turn, is pressed against the jaw 9. Then, theelement l'l forces the jaw "5 against the scriber I: which is pressed 55against the outer portion of the wall of the opening ll. .0! course, toadjust or remove the members 3 and I3, it is only necessary to back thethumb screw ll off slightly.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 4 to 11, inclusive, of thedrawings, reference character l8 designates generally a tubular casingof suitable dimensions and material. The casing I8 is closed at one end,as at l9. Threadedly mounted in the other end portion of the casing I8is a plug 20. Diametrically opposite openings 2| are provided at anintermediate point in the casing l8. The openings 2| are slightlyelongated longitudinally. The openings 2| are for the reception of thespindle of a surface gauge or any other member to be secured.

Opposed coacting jaws 22 and 23 are slidably mounted in the tubularcasing Ill. The jaws 22 and 23 are adapted to receive therebetween andfrictionally grip the aforementioned spindle or other member. The jaws22 and 23 include substantially semi-circular faces 24 having grooves 25therein. The grooves 25 are for the reception of a substantiallyC-shaped spring 26 which yieldingly urges the jaws 22 and 23 open.

slidably mounted in the cap 20 and projecting longitudinallytherethrough is a clamping member 21 for the scriber of a surface gaugeor for any other member to be held. The member 21 has formed therein atransverse opening 28 for the reception of the aforementioned scriber.Extending longitudinally into the member 21 from the inner end thereofis a bore 29 which communicates with the opening 28. The bore 29accommodates a jaw 30 on the jaw 23 for frictionally clamping thescriber in .the member 2'1. The member 21 is provided, on its inner end,with a stop flange or shoulder 3| which is engageable in the plug 20.

Threadedly mounted in the closed end IQ of the tubular casing I8 is athumb screw 32. The thumb screw 32 is engaged with the jaw 22 forpressing said jaw 22 against the spindle or other member to be held.

In use, when the thumb screw 32 is backed off, the jaws 22 and 23 arespread or opened by the spring 26. This facilitates insertion of thespindle in the openings 2|, said spindle passing between the jaws 22 and23, said spindle also passing through the spring 26. The scriber is theninserted in the opening 28 and the desired adiustments are made. Thethumb screw 32 is then tightened for clamping the spindle between thejaws 22 and 23 and for clamping the scriber in the member 21 through themedium of the jaw 30.

It is believed that the many advantages of a clamp constructed inaccordance with the present invention will be readily understood, andalthough preferred embodiments of the device are as illustrated anddescribed, it is to be understood that other modifications and changesin the details of construction may be resorted to which will fall withinthe scope of the invention as claimed.

What is claimed is:

l. A clamp of the character described comprising an elongated casinghaving openings therein for the passage of an article to be held, a pairof jaws in the casing for receiving the article therebetween andengageable therewith, means for closing the jaws on the article, amember mounted in the casing and projecting therefrom, said memberhaving an opening therein for the passage of another article to be held,said member further having a bore therein communicating with the casingand with the second-named opening, and means in the bore operabl by oneof the jaws for securing the second-named article in the opening of saidmember.

2. A clamp of the character described comprising a tubular casing, aclamping member mounted in one end portion of the casing and projectinglongitudinally therefrom, the casing having aligned openings therein atan intermediate point for the reception of an article to be held,opposed coacting jaws in the casing for receiving the articletherebetween and for frictionally gripping same, means for closing thejaws on the article, the member having an opening therein for thepassage of another article to be held, said member further having a boreformed longitudinally therein communicating with the casing and with thesecond-named opening, a jaw slidable in the bore and engageable with thesecond-named article for retaining same in the member, and a lug on oneof the first-named jaws operable in the bore and engageable with thesecond-named jaw for engaging same with the second-named article.

3. A clamp of the character described comprising a tubular casing, aplug threadedly mounted in one end portion of the casing, said casinghaving aligned openings therein at an intermediate point for the passageof an article to be held, opposed coactin jaws slidably mounted in thecasing for receiving and gripping the article therebetween, said jawsincluding opposed faces having grooves therein, an opening spring forthe jaws engaged in the grooves, a thumb screw threadedly mounted in theother end portion of the casing for closing the jaws, a clamping memberslidably mounted in the plug and projecting longitudinally therefrom,said member having an opening therein for the passage of another articleto be held and further having a longitudinal bore therein communicatingwith the casing and with the second-named opening, and a jaw on one ofthe first-named jaws slidable in the bore and engageable with thesecondnamed article in the second-named opening for securing saidsecond-named article in the member.

BERYL A. BOGGS.

